The SEC has introduced stricter penalties aimed at curbing the practice of faking injuries in college football games. In a recent memo sent to athletic directors and head coaches, SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey emphasized the need for fair competition, calling out teams for using deceptive tactics to create unearned timeouts. The guidelines outlined in the memo highlight that this behavior disrupts the integrity of the game and unfairly slows down fast-paced offenses.
According to the new rules, any team found guilty of faking an injury will face escalating consequences. A first offense will result in the head coach receiving a public reprimand along with a $50,000 fine for the school. A second violation will carry a heftier penalty: a public reprimand and a $100,000 fine. On the third offense, the coach will be suspended for the team’s next game in addition to receiving a public reprimand and incurring the $100,000 fine. The policy also holds staff members accountable, imposing the same measures if they are found to have directed or signaled players to fake injuries.
The issue has gained traction in recent years, particularly in games involving up-tempo offenses where defensive teams may use fake injuries to disrupt the momentum. This practice can lead to unscheduled game stoppages, giving defensive teams time to reorganize and slowing down the offensive drive. Sankey’s directive aims to preserve the spirit of competition and keep the game fair.
Determining whether an injury is genuine will fall to Steve Shaw, the national coordinator of football officiating. Shaw will assess each submitted incident to decide if it meets the criteria for a fake injury, basing his judgment on whether it is “more likely than not” that a player faked an injury or attempted to do so. If Shaw’s evaluation supports the claim, the penalties laid out in Sankey’s memo will be enforced.
Sankey’s message also advises teams to prepare properly for up-tempo offenses without resorting to disruptive tactics. He emphasized that teams should either use their allocated timeouts or accept penalties for delays rather than fabricate injury stoppages. The new measures encourage continuous play and respect for the game’s natural flow.
The updated policy also introduces the possibility of reprimands for players involved in faking injuries, stressing that everyone on the team, from players to coaching staff, must adhere to the regulations. The SEC now has the authority to request video reviews independently, extending the oversight beyond the typical submissions from teams. This change allows any questionable incident to be examined to maintain fairness and transparency.
The SEC’s move seeks to promote honest play and reinforce sportsmanship. Sankey’s closing words in the memo, “Play football and stop the faking injury nonsense,” serve as a clear reminder of the expectations for teams within the conference.
Through these stricter regulations, the SEC aims to put an end to the misuse of injury timeouts, sending a message that such tactics will not be tolerated. This initiative marks an effort to uphold the values of fair play in college football and ensure that the game remains competitive and authentic.
